I disagree with a policy. What can I do?

I disagree with a policy. What can I do?

If you disagree with a sports policy, you can advocate for changes within the organization. First, identify the appropriate governing body with the most authority. For instance, the New Mexico Activities Association requires participation to align with the sex assigned on the birth certificate, but there is no participation ban in the state’s laws. Therefore, it would be appropriate to advocate to the NMAA for change. In South Carolina, once the state ban was passed in 2022, this overrode the previously inclusive policy from the South Carolina High School League. It would be appropriate to advocate for change within the state legislature. At the collegiate level, institutions first follow their governing organization, such as the NCAA. Then, they consider state laws if they accept state and federal funding. For help identifying the appropriate organization, use these charts. 

Once you have identified the appropriate organization, then you determine the appropriate individual to contact with your feedback. At the state level, this would be your local representatives. Within different organizations, you want to identify the individuals who are responsible for policy development, which could include a Board of Directors, a Commissioners Board, a Policy Director, or other groups and individuals. 

Sometimes, these groups will hold public meetings where you can give statements and testimonies to the board. Other times, you can submit feedback through phone calls, emails, contact forms, or establishing a one-on-one meeting. 

It is oftentimes helpful to draft a script of what you will say or talking points to hit on. See the section below for more tips on making a testimony: 

Written by JD Dumbrowsky.